Customer Reviews

View From the Hill

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I discovered the Moody Blues as a 16 year-old, but it took me 25 more years to really appreciate them. Now I own my first solo Moodies project, Justin Hayward's View from the Hill, and it is phenomenal on every level. If you are looking for something very Moodies from the distant past, you are going to be disappointed, but if you are open to the direction the band has taken and love adult contemporary pop music coupled with Moodies sensibility you will love VFTH. Justin has always been the romantic and more sentimental member of the group, so this adult contemporary foray is even poppier than the likes of albums like The Other Side of Life or Sur La Mer, yet it shines with more energy and spirit that either of those MB offerings. While it has a very strong commerciality, it has managed to avoid the overexposure it might have gotten on the radio. This is not all bad as you can grow tired of it at your own liesure or, very much like myself, keep going back for more in those more reflective moments.

This is an album that showcases Hayward's strongest musical assets while never detouring from who he has always been in either a solo or group context. Wisdom and philosophy that would make Sacrates nod in approval is at the lyrical core, while every song has an infectiously gorgeous melodical arrangement that frames his easy-on-the-ears vocal style which I have always loved. There is something wonderful here for everyone who likes a good mellow and melodic pop album that requires some thinking:

1. "I Heard It:" Most likely the most Moodies resemblant song on the album. Not my favorite, but a good spiritual pop song that could have easily fit on an album like The Present or Long Distance Voyager.

2. "Broken Dream:" A sad song about growing older with some absolutely gorgeous acoustic guitar by Justin, this song is also the one you hear upon entering his website.

3. "The Promised Land:" A song that seemingly is about discovering America, but a few more listens will tell you that this is a song of hope about discovering other worlds outside of our own planet, and the promise of a better life elsewhere.

4. "It's Not Too Late:" Among my favorites. This one is about picking up and going on when all your youthful ideals have gotten away from you without realizing it until they're out of reach. "Somehow the world keeps turning, promising a better day."

5. "Something to Believe in:" A song I identify strongly with, as can anyone else. Each verse tells the story of a dysfunctional family who are searching for meaning in their lives amid substance abuse, unlikely relationships, and parents who feel out of sorts in a world passing them by.

6. "The Way of the World:" Another of my favorites. That chorus is an absolutely simple melodic hooker. No matter where you go, it's true: "We're all equal underneath the sun."

7. "Sometimes Less is More:" I guarantee this song may provoke a few tears in its absolute beauty. We all need to learn from the hard lessons of youthful passions when we dive into the flames wrecklessly. At least, I think the older and wiser route of having learned well is the point of this song, but you don't have to be old to be wise. You only need to learn.

8. "Troubadour:" Easily close to being my absolute favorite here, a song of a promised land and freedom. The song has a gentle country feel with some wonderful guitar work by Justin. This song works on every level possible in its catchiness and its strong melodic flair.

9. "Shame:" Nice, straight ahead AC track about how Justin percieves the sadness of the world, yet sees all the joy in has to offer as well. He sees the glass half full, a trait I truly envy!

10. "Billy:" A disturbing song about a young man who gave up on life and the world around him after he grew weary of trying to find someone who cared. Could you or I have changed things before he went on his gun toting rampage? This one will make you contemplate your own selfishness about unimportant matters, such as being a big fish in a little pond.

11. "Children of Paradise:" A sweet and simple song, stripped down to almost nothing more than Justin and his guitar as he emphasizes the importance of forgiving and healing so that the world can be a better place.

VFTH is an album full of intelligence, great songwriting, and integrity. This is a wonderful solo project that obviously comes from the heart and shines its peaceloving light brightly on all who are open to its message. Musically it's somewhat similar to Player's Lost in Reality--another AC album I recommend highly to go with this one--but on the whole it stands up in a class all by itself.

This CD had to grow on me. I think perhaps because I was expecting something like "Blue Jays" or perhaps something like "Strange Times", both of which I liked. However, as I have found out through experience, it generally takes time for me to like new music from The Moody Blues and from Justin Hayward.

This CD is very mellow. Justin is usually at his best when he writes ballads, and these songs capitalize on his phenomenal voice. Some of these songs are okay, but there are several that are some of the best that Justin has ever written and sung.

"Broken Dream" is a song about love lost, about growing older and being less resilient, and contrasting that with the dreams and laughter of children and the youth the singer once knew. This song is best appreciated by reading the lyrics and joining with Justin in the emotion he is trying to convey; a beautiful, yet sad song, one of Justin's best ever.

"It's Not Too Late" is another of those songs that Justin seems to be in the habit of writing in the last few years, lamenting that he is older and looking back into the past. Many of the phrases used in early Moodies songs as well as "Strange Times" are included in this song. I suspect that while the song could be a love song, on a higher level it is a song to appeal to everyone that no matter where you are in your life it's never too late to have hope, to change, to take on new challenges. It's songs like these that endeared The Moody Blues to us.

"Something to Believe In" goes to the core of Justin's musical philosophy. We all need something to believe in. Justin has always thought (musically, at least) that that "something" was a higher power, or God. In this song, these people with their drug and relationship problems definitely need to believe in something. Yet the song points out that we have to look forward to be able to look past our problems, which suggests that even believing in the future (if that is your only belief) may be valuable and helpful.

"Sometimes Less Is More" lyrically is one of Justin's most creative songs in a long time. Certainly a ballad, the approach is acoustic. This song should be honored and recognized and be played on the radio. Sometimes excellent music is not properly recognized, and that is the case with this song.

In "Shame", Justin points out that he sees the world in a different way than other people seem to see the world. He sees the homeless, hopeless people of the world, but he also feels the love and joy of life. He wonders why we can't use the joy and love of the world to solve the problems of poverty, war and hatred. Good question Justin, and a good song.

"Billy" is a song of suicide and despair. However, while the song is about depressing subjects, the song is just as much a warning to the rest of us that we could have been there for Billy. We could reach out, we could hold someone, and we could love someone. Life is not as complicated sometimes as we make it out to be when it comes to caring about others.

Just as in his Moodies career, Justin jumps about a bit on this CD. "I Heard It" has overtones of the spiritual music of The Moodies from the 60s. "The Promised Land" initially seems to be about discovery of the Americas and the promise that the new land offered. However, during the bridge you can hear voices relating to the launch of a space ship. At this point you realize that Justin is singing about all the new worlds that man has yet to discover, which may be physical as well as spiritual worlds. "The Way of the World" offers a faster paced observation regarding the condition of the world. Musically a pretty song, sung and played well. "Troubadour" has a bit of a country flavor, and is lyrically one of the weakest songs on this CD, though well played.

Justin likes to give his music a happy ending. His happy ending is "Children of Paradise". Justin acoustically tells us that we have the power to be the children of paradise. We can make a difference. We can reach out and cure, and change, and love. All we have to do is want, and take small actions.

I hope that Justin and The Moodies continue to make music like this. While there are a few uneven spots in this CD, I believe this solo effort is Justin's best in his career. He shows his skill and maturity lyrically and musically, and occasionally the music becomes truly inspired and great. Soft mellow music with Justin's voice prominent throughout, this CD is intended to be somewhat inspirational, without ignoring the ills of the world. I play this one often, and once you get into the music, likely so will you.

View From The Hill is just one more proof that Justin Hayward is the greatest living rock love ballad writer. Lyrics, score and technicals(instrumentation and mixing) are impeccable.

Hayward has long been the most under-rated of all the great rockers. What Mick Jagger is to on-stage stut, Justin Hayward is to your heart of heart and soul of your soul. Not only are the songs exquisite in their sonoral depth and richness but the lyrics always seem to have been written "just for me".

Hayward paints on a canvas that works not only in personal close-up but also in the vast sweep of time and social ethos.The songs "Billy", "Shame","The Way Of The World", "The Promised Land" and "Something To Believe In" are examples of the large scale of Haywards social vision. "I Heard It", "Broken Dream", "It's Not Too Late", "Troubadour" and "Children of Paradise" are intimate and very personal views.

There is not a bad song on the CD but the strength of "Broken Dream" "Shame",and "Children of Paradise" somehow keep them on my replay list over and over again. These three in particular are classics on an equal with any of Haywards greatest including "Nights...." and "Question of Balance".

One wonders just how long he can keep this up. We dare not hope it would seem that it will go on forever. But, for my heart and soul, as long as there is life there is music. And if there is music, there is the art and insight of Justin Hayward. "We are alive and we are awake to the world---with the Gift of Love we are blessed---Cos we can be---Children of Paradise" Maybe he is right. I am never closer to believing than when 'Jus' is on the CD and my eyes are closed. And my soul looks out on-- forever---from the "View From The Hill". Thanks 'Jus'!

I am a Moody Blues fan but I was hesitant to buy any "solo effort" music. I was afraid that as was the case with The Beatles...the sum of the whole is bigger than the sum of the parts. My fears proved unfounded.

This is a beautiful album. The songs are lyrically and melodically fresh as any Moody Blues material. "Broken Dream" made me cry. It is so beautiful but so sad. I had to turn it off the first time I heard it as I was at work and it really choked me up. I told my coworkers my watery eyes were due to hayfever. If they only knew it was "Hayward fever". I was almost afraid Justin and his wife had broken up and he was writing this just for her to win her back. There is a definite feel of loss and wistful yearning in three or four of the songs. "Billy" is a moving but all too true comment on our youth.

I really like the overall freshness of the backing instrumentation on this album. Obviously, the other musicians are very accomplished and the overall result...listening perfection!

Based on this CD and the last Moody Blues CD, I would say that Justin is going through a musical renaissance. After some sub-par efforts like "Sur La Mer" and "Keys To The Kingdom"...he is back in top form.

I hope Justin still has a few other CDs left in him. He is truly is the most sensitive and romantic musician in all of rock. No one else is even close.

This recording is a masterpiece. "Broken Dream" is every bit a classic as "Nights in White Satin" yet totally overlooked in today's pre-programmed radio format. What a shame for the rest of the world not to hear Justin Hayward's best music. This cd proves that an artist's best work is not always done in youth. Hayward is a singer/songwriter unparralled in his ability to evoke emotions with images everyone can relate to...everyone with a heart.

Justin Hayward is a musical perfectionist. Yea for us! If you listen closely enough to this CD, you'll notice that most of the songs segue into one another a la "Days of Future Passed," making it more like one complete unit rather than a collection of songs. Justin's voice has become more warm and resonant with time, adding more depth to his ballads. "Broken Dream," "Promised Land," and "Children of Paradise" are exceptional. The latter was done with acoustic guitar and stands on its own brilliantly. His live version of it is even better! "Sometimes Less is More" is another tender ballad from the master. The Moody Blues tour schedule is surely a demanding one, but I hope that Justin will continue in his solo efforts as well. It is a special treat for his many admirers!

View From The Hill is just one more proof that Justin Hayward is the greatest living rock love ballad writer. Lyrics, score and technicals(instrumentation and mixing) are impeccable.

Hayward has long been the most under-rated of all the great rockers. What Mick Jagger is to on-stage stut, Justin Hayward is to your heart of heart and soul of your soul. Not only are the songs exquisite in their sonoral depth and richness but the lyrics always seem to have been written "just for me".

Hayward paints on a canvas that works not only in personal close-up but also in the vast sweep of time and social ethos.The songs "Billy", "Shame","The Way Of The World", "The Promised Land" and "Something To Believe In" are examples of the large scale of Haywards social vision. "I Heard It", "Broken Dream", "It's Not Too Late", "Troubadour" and "Children of Paradise" are intimate and very personal views.

There is not a bad song on the CD but the strength of "Broken Dream" "Shame",and "Children of Paradise" somehow keep them on my replay list over and over again. These three in particular are classics on an equal with any of Haywards greatest including "Nights...." and "Question of Balance".

One wonders just how long he can keep this up. We dare not hope it would seem that it will go on forever. But, for my heart and soul, as long as there is life there is music. And if there is music, there is the art and insight of Justin Hayward. "We are alive and we are awake to the world---with the Gift of Love we are blessed---Cos we can be---Children of Paradise" Maybe he is right. I am never closer to believing than when 'Jus' is on the CD and my eyes are closed. And my soul looks out on-- forever---from the "View From The Hill". Thanks 'Jus'!

After seeing the Moodies on PBS last fall my fervor was rekindled and started me on their musical journey all over again. (I had been in hiatus since 1977). I picked up this CD along with a couple of their more recent work and was dumbfounded! How could this music have been missed? I attributed the missing of some previous work due to the "punk" music style of the eighties but the mellower early 90's and "canned spam boy band" music of the present doesn't hold a candle to "The View From the Hill". I actually logged on this evening to check the date on the CD to see if the song "Billy" was written before or after Columbine. 1996 was definitely before which I find amazing. The insight and social consciousness of Justin Hayward and friends on this CD is almost spiritual. Before I get too "out there" I have wondered about sending "View" and "Strange Times" to some station managers and DJs. These treasures have been missed. Justin and the Moodies are certainly not starving after their nearly 40 year career, but they deserve more recognition from the public and artistic community for the BEAUTIFUL music they have made.

What can you say about the frontman for the Moodies? The man once went try-out for the Animals and was sent to the Moody Blues, ending up replacing the exiting Denny Laine, is in fact the biggest gear in the Moodie Machine. But, for some reason most 'Classic Rock' stations play only a handfull of Moody Blues songs. Why is that? Back when he and John Lodge came out with 'Blue Jays', I thought, 'Ok, a little Moodyish, without the rest of the clan. Then he came out with 'Songwriter', doing most if not all the instruments, out came this different sounding Justin, and a cleaner sounding music. Not over produced. This particular piece that came out in 1996, shows that 'Nights in White Satin' was not a fluke, but this album is better than half of the Moody Blue albums. He doesn't have to swear or make angry statements to put his point across, but write some the most beautiful music around. There isn't a song on here that's bad.

"The View From The Hill" could just as well be titled "The Justin Hayward 50th Birthday Album", as its official release date falls on the day following his 50th birthday (10-14-1946). The view from Hayward's hill remains much the same. His themes still span the vocabulary of personal ads, concentrating on love, dreams, sunsets, passions, freedom, and belief. Both his voice and sincerity remain remarkably clear after 30 years in the music spotlight. This solo effort, perhaps his best to date, brings back a very popular trademark of those Moodies "magic 7" albums of long ago, that being all the songs "cross fade" into one another, and it was that very clever effect that first attracted me to their music many years ago.

Leading off the album is the jubilant "I Heard It", and with its cosmic intro, another Moodies-like musical journey has begun. The next track "Broken Dream", is clearly the peak moment of this CD, and while it's a real tear-jerker, is incredibly lush and pretty, and very emotionally moving. Therefore, be prepared to dry your tears the first several times you hear it. "The Promised Land", a song about immigration, is easily the most ambitious track Hayward has ever laid down on any of his solo albums, with a mezmerising middle instrumental, a chorus of what sounds like several thousand people, and clocking in at nearly 7 1/2 minutes. "It's Not Too Late", "Something To Believe In", and "Sometimes Less Is More" are serene, relaxing, and peaceful listening. "The Way Of The World" comes closest to duplicating that full Moodies sound. "Shame", while having a catchy melody, has a few lyrics that are non-sensical ("the road is lonely, I don't complain, it's such a shame"). Hayward whines that the road is lonely, but he finds it's nothing to complain about?? The story song "Troubador" has some clever guitar work, and "Billy" is the sad story of a would-be sniper eventually taking his own life which really doesn't flow with the rest of the album. The project sweetly concludes with "Children Of Paradise", which is as close to a gospel song Justin has ever written.

Despite a few weak spots, Hayward's soothing vocals and unique guitar sound make "The View From the Hill" delightful for all remotely familiar with his music. Highly recommended!